Shortly after I met Kathryn Ireland, she said to me in her wonderful British accent, “Darling! You must come to La Castellane! It’s heaven!” She did not need to convince me, the one who suffers wanderlust, to make the visit. Who in their right mind passes up the opportunity to visit heaven on earth? Little did I know that the trip would be so entrancing.

La Castellane has long been available to friends and family, but most recently Kathryn partnered with fellow Francophile Nikki Maxwell, Proprietor of Picnics in Provence. As the name suggests, Provence has been the main focus of Nikki’s exclusive guided tours and gastronomic explorations. That was until she met Kathryn and traveled to the Tarn et Garonne region of France.

Convinced that Kathryn’s lovingly restored home was the perfect backdrop for an eight-day getaway, an itinerary was planned. Why limit picnics to only one beautiful region of the country?

Thanks to Nikki’s passion and enthusiasm, every day we were offered a unique chance to explore the countryside. No two days were the same. Picnics, yes. Pampering, absolutely. Each morning I awoke to the sounds of crowing roosters (no alarm clock), streams of sunlight, a glorious breakfast and friendly faces. And at the end of the day my bed was turned down with little gifts.

True to Nikki’s motto “Unspoilt France off the Beaten Track”, staying at Kathryn’s and traveling with Nikki provided a rare opportunity to relax, recharge and drink lots of local wine. Thank you Kathryn and Nikki. It was a wonderful week.

If you wish to experience heaven for yourself, circle these dates:
11th to 18th May
7th to 14th June
17th to 24th June
20th to 27th July
1st to 8th September

A lake side picnic at the home of chef Daniel de la Falaise was just one highlight of the trip. Sitting by the lake I felt as if I were a million miles from nowhere.

Ideezine *when* you make your trip to France you must contact Nikki. It is a magical place.

Elissa is was THE BEST working lunch ever. Sitting outside all alone, except for the noisy donkeys (which was atmospheric), was heaven. Needless to say I had to stay focused in order to work — the pool was calling my name.

Quintessence, mydesignchic and Empress of The Eye, thank you for your kind comments. I'm glad the photos provided a mini retreat. Wish you could have been there in person. Sending magical thoughts your way! xo

Anne, it was my idea of BLISS!!! Here's the great thing about Daniel, he is a beautiful person…inside and out.

Positively Provence Perfect…. There are so few people I'd want to change jobs – but your job dear Ronda, tops the list! I still can't believe you know my decor idol! Should you ever want to change lives for a few weeks, I'm so game!! You take the best adventures.Cheers,Toma

hope you where able to bring your family???? what a lovely vacation for a family and friends…..how far is the plane ride to France from your home???I love vacations where one can just be casual in dress and manners…

Bonjour Ronda! That's it! I am emailing Nikki and booking my spot for next year! You had me with the first picture of house with the blue shutters and gravel patio! Not to mention putting the chickens to bed! Everyone needs a little taking care of. It truly sounds like Nikki did just that! xo, Becky

It felt so wonderful travelling with you through my little part of france. As a teenager I could not wait to get out as it was so "backwards and dull"…being raised on a farm and a vineyard…where is the excitement ? so i left home very young to go to London and then Boston. Reading about your experiences in the tarn et Garonne made me realize how wise Voltaire was. Indeed, as Candide, when i return to my french home, I feel at peace and understand and feel the intrinsic beauty of the farmland land and its people. Thank you for these amazing photos. Francine

Just beautiful images Kathryn Ireland really knows how to live! Always so gracious and welcoming – met her on several occasions back in my House Beautiful days. Love the new look of your blog – congratulations.

RONDA CARMAN FINE FABRICS

Handcrafted in Scotland by century old mills, our fabrics, leathers and throws are created using traditional time-tested techniques requiring hundreds of man-hours. Every master craftsman is trained to an exacting standard and takes immeasurable pride in their work.

Ronda Carman Founder | Editor

A lifelong love of design, travel, and food was the catalyst for establishing All the Best. All the Best Blog is known for its discerning interviews and profiles. Ronda is also the co-founder of Ronda Carman Fine Fabrics, a contributing writer for New York Social Diary, Huffington Post, and a speaker on the topic of design and social media. Ronda's first book, 'Designers At Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living' is published by Rizzoli (April 2013).

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